Shakhtar mentor Paulo Fonseca made two changes compared to the first leg in Lviv. Fred returned after suspension, taking the position of Maksym Malyshev. Taison played instead of Viktor Kovalenko, who had stayed at home due to injury.

Taison was brought down in Gent’s penalty area, with the referee pointing to the spot. The spot kick was converted by Marlos, for whom it was the 50th appearance in European competitions

First half

Inside 20 seconds, the hosts opened the scoring. Simon crossed from the left wing to Coulibaly, and the towering striker planted a firm header low past Pyatov. The goal scored gave the Belgian team confidence, with them continuing to be active in Shakhtar’s half. The Donetsk side regained control of the game around midway through the half. Darijo Srna delivered a dangerous cross, with Yaroslav Rakitskyy producing a powerful shot from set play. The Pitmen managed to score on 36 minutes. Taison was brought down in Gent’s penalty area, with the referee pointing to the spot. The spot kick was converted by Marlos, for whom it was the 50th appearance in European competitions. Five minutes later, the Orange-and-Blacks went in front. A move involving Bernard and Facundo Ferreyra resulted in Taison scoring. Shakhtar’s number 28 easily burst away from the home defence and confidently beat the goalkeeper. Just before half-time, the Pitmen netted the third one: Darijo Srna delivered an outswinging corner, with Taras Stepanenko producing a thumping header.

Fred had a scoring chance, but his attempt was denied by a defender. However, on 67 minutes, the Brazilian produced a precision shot, expertly curling his finish around Rinne

Second half

The game retained the pace after the break, with the Gent players increasingly leaving more open spaces, which were repeatedly penetrated by the visitors. On 52 minutes, Taison made a great shot only to see the home goalkeeper turn the ball for a corner. Shortly afterwards, Fred had a scoring chance, but his attempt was denied by a defender. However, on 67 minutes, the Brazilian produced a precision shot, expertly curling his finish around Rinne. After the goal, both coaches used all their substitutions over a short period of time. Shakhtar’s Dentinho, Maksym Malyshev and Ivan Ordets came on for Taison, Taras Stepanenko and Yaroslav Rakitskyy respectively. On 83 minutes, the hosts pulled one back: Perbet sent home a controlled volley at the far post from substitute Perbet from Asare’s deep cross. Facundo Ferreyra restored the lead with a header after Srna’s cross had deflected off Bernard. In the closing stages, the Belgians responded with a precision header from Milicevic. 5-3 - Shakhtar defeated Gent two rounds away from the group stage completion and secured the top spot in the group.

Shakhtar Donetsk are to play their next game on November 6. In the Premier League Round 14, the Orange-and-Blacks will play Oleksandriya away. The meeting kicks off at 7:30 pm.